Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tanya Vaughan, Co-Founder of Ink Spa LLC., located in Boise, ID, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My (and my partner Mel's) business is a premium tattoo studio for high-earning busy professionals with discerning tastes.
Tell us about yourself
I've spent my career in finance and marketing for both DTC eCommerce and B2B. I've bought and started businesses before, but this is my first brick-and-mortar which I never thought I would do. My business partner and best friend (don't worry, we've worked successfully together before!) decided to get best friends tattoos and wanted to make an experience of it. Needless to say, planning small tattoos in the environment we wanted was impossible, and the experience was meh. So the day we got our tattoos, we decided to create Ink Spa to serve an unmet clientele in the market - classy tattoos for busy professionals who value the experience as much as the ink. We even offer private tattoo parties, which most shops would never entertain.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Figuring it out. I like to figure everything out and do it myself - at least the first time.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Knowing when to pay someone else to do the work you can do. Because I like figuring it out, I tend to want to do it all, but time constraints make it impossible to do it all well. Knowing when to outsource or hire is key to not overworking myself or, worse, doing a disservice to my business(es).
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do the research. Know if the business you want to start, run or grow has potential - don't just jump in because YOU love the idea. Who are your competitors and customers? Identify the potential profit margins and demands.
- Find a mentor (or mentors). Seems like a no-brainer, but I'm terrible at asking for advice, but I do believe it's key if you've never started a business.
- Having a partner you can trust. I have a great partner in this business; our talents are complementary, and I trust her wholeheartedly. I don't have a partner in my other business, and sometimes that gets lonely or difficult when things don't go well.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.inkspa.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InkSpaTattoo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inkspatattoo/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyavaughan/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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